The Rivers State Command has explained how a supposed peaceful rally of All Progressive Congress (APC) held at Rumuwoji community town hall/playing ground in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State on 19th of January 2023, suddenly turned violent.
The State’s Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, explained that before the rally’s commencement, the community’s internal crisis over which faction should control the community playing ground/town hall reared its ugly head.
She added: “It was alleged that the CDC Chairman collected the sum of N200, 000 from APC as payment for renting the playground and town hall. Incidentally, he shared the money with only the chiefs and members of his faction. The other faction that didn’t benefit from the sharing insisted that the hall would not be used until they were given their share of the money. “Consequently, a fracas ensued. Two people were reportedly injured. The fracas was not between members of APC and any other political party but between the internal factions within the said community.
“The DC Operations, Area Commander Port Harcourt, the O/C SIB, and DPO Mile One Diobu were on the ground to intervene and restore peace and security at the venue. Thus, the fracas did not affect the APC rally, which ended peacefully.
“There was no explosion before or during the rally. However, the Commissioner of Police has directed the DC State CID and O/C Bomb Disposal Unit to investigate and confirm the veracity of the rumour currently making the rounds on social media.
“It should be noted that the Rumuwoji community is factionalized into two groups – not divided along political party lines, but rather factionalized as a result of the chieftaincy tussle. The fracas was defined in these lines.
“Meanwhile, members of the public are enjoined to go about their lawful businesses and maintain peace. The Command reiterates that it is committed to protecting the life and property of all residents in Rivers State.”
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